U.S. Begins Military - To - Military Talks With Russia Over Syria

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (L) and U.S. Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter. © RIA Novosti / Reuters

Washington Post: Senior U.S., Russian defense officials talk to defuse tensions over Syria

LONDON — Defense chiefs from the United States and Russia held their first direct talks in more than a year Friday, discussing the multiple conflicts in Syria and ways to battle the Islamic State as part of possible wider contacts aimed at easing tensions.

The talks between Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu, announced by the Pentagon, follow weeks of growing concern in Washington over Moscow’s military role with Syria’s government. Syria is a key Kremlin ally that grants Russia important footholds in the region such as its only Mediterranean naval facility.

The two officials “agreed to further discuss mechanisms for deconfliction in Syria and the counter-ISIL campaign,” Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said, using an acronym for the Islamic State.

WNU Editor: Like it or not .... this is what U.S. weakness looks like .... and it is being portrayed as such in Russia, the Middle East, and everywhere else (with the exception of the West .... and the U.S. specifically).

More News On The U.S. Beginning Military - To - Military Talks With Russia Over Syria

US, Russia defense chiefs break silence to discuss Syria crisis -- Reuters
Russian defense, Pentagon chiefs agree to restore military contacts, discuss Syria -- RT
US and Russian militaries launch talks on Syria -- AFP
U.S., Russia Discuss Moscow's Military Buildup In Syria -- AP
Pentagon Talking with Russia Again, Focus on Syria -- VOA
U.S.-Russia Talks After Kremlin Says Troops Could Fight in Syria -- Bloomberg
U.S. to Begin Military Talks With Russia on Syria -- NYT
U.S. sees military talks with Russia on Syria as important next step: Kerry -- Reuters